"Fire! The east wing is on fire!

Even before the alarm bell rang, the yell echoed through the corridors. I didn't believe I had run.

Half-naked and clutching their water pails, the guards bolted from the barracks. Smoke was already a living thing in the hallway.

"Who's inside?" I shouted.

The warrior paused before saying, "The dungeon, Alpha, and the servants' quarters."

My heart stopped. "The dungeon?"

Pale, he nodded. "Matilda is still present."

"Get the keys!" I pushed past him and ...